Is charisma a skill that can be learned
and honed? Or is it just a natural talent that is exuded from one's
genes? I think a little of both. Most people take pleasure in the
company of others – they're blessed/cursed with extroverted
personality types.
Human beings are highly social animals.
We've gotten this far in the conquest of the planet by our ability
to work together to accomplish goals. The most important, which has
dominated all of our drives and actions for the last 200,000 years,
being pure survival(On both individual and species levels).
I think that this was touched on in
some way or another in my Religion post some months back.
None of this Ayn Randian pish and tosh
(hey England, did I use that right?) about the uber importance of the
individual. Yes, we are social animals, herd animals, and need
leadership. We need direction for our societies to achieve these
great things. This is why elections and quality candidates are so
vital. But those leaders, though first amongst equals, are not more
important than the masses. That probably smacks of communism, but it
is the privates who make up the army and do most of the work, the
sergeants who direct them. Straight on up through the hierarchy.
Generals don't fight the wars themselves.
We need specialists to get the work
done.
This is an odd and ironic statement for
a blog with the heading of “Specialization is for Insects”. But
to be completely honest, I don't expect to be able to learn a
hundredth of what I've babbled about over the last several years. I
am a generalist by nature, but lack the discipline to master most
avenues of human knowledge. Just like I lack the ability to stay on
topic for more than a couple of paragraphs.
Charisma. Networking. These are
important talents and life-skills for use to have/hone. Much like
the ability to proficiently perform oral sex. In order to survive
and overcome we need that ability to work together, be it in small
groups or great nations. And someone will need to take the lead and
supply direction.
Ah, now for myself. I know that this
is going to blow your mind but I'm an introvert. “Really?” You
gasp audibly, whilst dropping your cinnamon bun in shocked
astonishment. “Truly this man who spends his time writing essays
about skills that might come in handy during/after the apocalypse is
highly social, is hip deep in the club scene and is getting all of
the bitches.”
Sorry, I didn't want to ruin your image
of me. So feel free to keep on thinking that, while I continue on
with my ramblings. I would like to point out that I do not in fact
wear an eyepatch for purely stylistic purposes. I also have a
kick-ass hat that I keep for emergencies.
The quiet loner type who generally
prefers to keep to himself. That's me. Not a delightful descriptor
of my personality, no matter how true. Generally we hear those words
uttered by flabbergasted neighbors when interviewed by News Crews
about their recently arrested serial killer neighbors. Yep, I expect
about an hour after posting this admission that the FBI accompanied
by a couple of SWAT Teams will suddenly appear at my doorstep to
search my basement/attic/yard for anyone who has gone missing in the
area over since the year that I was born(psychos start young).
I like persons and not people. What
does that mean? Well as a buffoon with a history major I'm generally
not interested in societies that aren't a thousand years dead on a
distant continent. I loath several aspects of our popular culture
and would like to quietly withdraw. But alas, those things I do like
about our society (super markets and abundant internet porn) make
that too daunting. To sum this up, I find groups of strangers
exhausting.
And onwards onto the explanation. My
small circle of friends is made up of Shining individuals that stick
out of the pack. Many of whom happen to themselves be outgoing and
sociable. I am after all attracted to that type just like anyone
else, sad to say. I do believe that I make a good and loyal friend, for anyone who has won my friendship. It just takes a long time.
I work as a delivery driver, and have
been told that I am to be the outward face of the company. To smile!
And be friendly. Well, shit. I honestly prefer to stand quietly
and let my counterpart do their job efficiently. Not very compelling.
The strange part about this is that I
do possess the capability to perform enthusiastically and
entertainingly. I possess some modicum of wit and can be quite
funny. I just lack that bit in my brain where when asked “How are
you?” I respond “Not bad.” While forgetting the “and how
about yourself.” 9 times out of ten.
I should really work on my attitude.
Else the other survivors might just slip off and leave me to the
zombies. That is, unless I can weld with one hand all while setting broken bones and cooking one hell of a stew and reciting Shakespeare.
Well, we all know which of these is more likely. Better crack open the Shakespeare.
